By Funmi Azike

Bitter leaf

Skin problems like eczema, pimples and rash can develop when the liver and kidneys are overworked or not working efficiently because of increase in waste that has to pass through the skin. Bottom line – good internal health is important for good skin. If you have treated certain skin conditions for so long, using all the recommended products and treatments without meaningful result, you should seriously consider treating internally which is where this beauty tonic comes in.
This is an unusual beauty tonic because of the characteristic odour and bitter taste of Vernonnia Amygdalina plant (bitter-leaf) it is made from. But the fact is that BITTER-LEAF juice has remarkable nutritional, herbal and medicinal value especially when consumed in its raw form. Yes! The juice from Bitter-leaf! (I know what you are thinking, very bitter right?)  Well, do not squeeze your face yet, when you know some of its beautifying benefits, you will gladly gulp it down like any sweet tasting juice.

Benefits
Research has shown that Bitter-leaf juice is a good source of concentrated chlorophyll which will help to strengthen the immune system, repair cell damage and fight free radicals.
Drinking bitter-leaf juice will help neutralise acids in the body so your blood is less likely to clog and become sluggish and inefficient. It can also be taken in the morning to stimulate bowel movement which makes it a great way to prevent constipation and toxic build-up. Please note that constipation and poor bowel movement are also a major cause of skin problems such as acne and rash. Ideally you should go to toilet at least once a day. Not being able to go for days or even a week can cause toxins from your waste to be reabsorbed by your body which can lead to skin and health problems.
Taking bitter-leaf juice regularly helps in reducing your risk of developing severe skin conditions such as acne. It also lessens the damaging effects of sun exposure and protects against premature skin wrinkling.

Directions
To improve complexion, take a glass of bitter leave juice at least twice a week (first thing in the morning).
To help treat skin conditions, take a glass of bitter-leave juice twice daily for two weeks (morning and night). Also, you can apply the undiluted/concentrated bitter-leaf juice to the affected area daily as it contains antibiotic and antifungal properties.
Topically, bitter–leaf can be applied to treat conditions such as ringworm, itching, rashes, spots and eczema both in adults and children. Apply on affected area twice daily.

Useful Tips
•   Rather than miss out on the goodness bitter-leaf juice has to offer, you can add a bit of honey to it if unable to tolerate the taste.
•   When you start drinking bitter-leaf juice, avoid extreme concentrations to prevent hypoglycaemia (low sugar levels). Dilute properly with water and gradually build-up the concentration consumed.
•   You can preserve bitter-leaf juice for up to a week by refrigerating it. Surprisingly, in a low concentration, it serves as a refreshing cold drink. You might want to consider reaching for a glass of bitter-leaf juice rather than that sugar/calorie/chemical loaded soft drink. Just think of all the benefits you stand to gain.

Consumption of raw bitter-leaf juice is an excellent way to get all the beauty/nutritional benefits the plant has to offer. Cooking, heating and chemical means of extraction drastically reduce them.  Do not be discouraged by the bitter taste as you are most definitely going to reap sweet rewards afterwards. Till next week, stay beautiful!